Services resume in phases after tracks were damaged during coordinated terrorist assaults
QUETTA:
Train services from Quetta have begun to resume operations after they were suspended following a series of security incidents in Balochistan, railway officials said on Thursday.
According to Pakistan Railways, operations that had been halted for the past five days are being restored, bringing relief to stranded passengers.
The suspension had come after a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locations in Balochistan over the weekend. On Tuesday, state media reported that Pakistan’s security forces have killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ militant group in continuing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan. 22 security personnel have been martyred in these operations.
On Sunday, the provincial government also issued a notification announcing the imposition of Section 144 for one month, citing heightened security concerns, the recent attacks and the overall law-and-order situation.
Security sources said that on January 31, during the multiple militant attacks across the province, on January 31, railway tracks were damaged, prompting authorities to suspend all train services from Quetta to other parts of Balochistan and the country as a precaution.
Services affected included the Jaffar Express (Quetta–Peshawar), Bolan Mail (Quetta–Karachi) and the Chaman Passenger train. The Jaffar Express travelling from Peshawar was stopped at Jacobabad, while passengers were refunded their ticket fares.
Read: Trains, mobile internet shut across Balochistan for fifth day after attacks
Following an improvement in the security situation, the railway administration announced the phased restoration of services. The Chaman passenger train has departed Quetta according to its regular schedule, and the Jaffar Express to Peshawar has also resumed operations.
Passengers have welcomed the move, describing the route as a vital overland link for Balochistan with the rest of the country.
Railway officials said the Bolan Mail service between Karachi and Quetta has not yet fully resumed, but is expected to restart in the coming days once track repairs and security clearances are completed.
The resumption of services comes amid ongoing security operations by forces in the province, which authorities say have helped stabilise the situation. Passengers said the suspension of train services had caused serious difficulties and effectively cut off Balochistan from other provinces.
Pakistan Railways said enhanced security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents, and advised passengers to confirm train schedules before travelling.
Quetta Railway Junction is a key hub linking Balochistan with other parts of Pakistan, and officials said the restoration of services is of national importance.
Read more: In rare unity, MPs close ranks against Balochistan terror
Meanwhile, mobile phone data and internet services remain suspended across most districts of Balochistan. Officials stated that this measure was taken due to security concerns and to prevent possible communication between terrorist organizations.
The internet shutdown has prevented students from attending online classes, deprived businesspersons of online transactions, and created difficulties for journalists in field reporting and information transmission.
New attacks
However, security concerns have resurfaced in Balochistan’s Noshki district after unidentified gunmen targeted a stationary freight train in a rocket attack at Ahmed Wal railway station on Wednesday night, destroying its engine.
Police and railway officials said the attack took place late at night while the train had been standing at the station for the past five days, due to railway services being suspended in the province. Railway authorities confirmed that the engine was rendered completely inoperable and arrangements are being made to send a replacement, although no alternative engine has yet arrived.
No casualties were reported in the attack. However, security forces have been placed on alert to ensure the safety of railway tracks and cargo. Ahmed Wal railway station is a key logistical point for Noshki and surrounding areas, used regularly for the transportation of goods.
On January 31, a series of coordinated attacks at multiple locationsin Balochistan took place, Noshki was also targeted. In Noshki, armed men abducted Deputy Commissioner Hussain Hazara along with his family, later releasing a video of the kidnapped official. In Pasni, a Coast Guards post came under attack, which security forces repelled, killing eight terrorists in retaliatory fire, officials said.
The incident comes amid an already tense security situation in the province. In a separate attack in the same region, unidentified individuals blew up an important bridge on the national highway at Gulangur using explosives.
Police sources said a section of the bridge was completely destroyed, raising concerns about possible disruption to traffic. The bridge serves as a vital link between Noshki and other districts, and its damage is expected to cause difficulties for commuters and transporters.
Railway officials said search operations were launched immediately after the attack, while security forces have stepped up patrols in and around Ahmed Wal. Police said investigations are under way to identify and arrest those responsible, but no group has so far claimed responsibility.
The incidents highlight ongoing threats to railway infrastructure and highways in Balochistan, where several attacks in recent months have disrupted the transport system. Passengers and traders have expressed concern that such incidents could affect the movement of goods and daily life.
Security forces have assured that the situation is under control and that repair work will begin soon. However, calls are growing for tighter security arrangements in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.
